Sunday, January 31, 2010

One way that we as gay people manage to fight on is being what we are.

And also marshalling our passions, our talents, to the fight for equality. We are not fighting for any 'rights'. That is a misnomer, which our enemies- and, many are truly that, enemies- many of them use the term 'rights' to say we are asking for something more.

We fight, we petition, we agitate for one thing only. To be equal to other human beings.

We ask the state and states to consider what we are, to be on par with others as human beings. We demand that, in matters of state, we are equal, not a minority that is persecuted where the others are given advantages over us in all realms of life and living. We know we are different. We assert that, though different, we are equal. Human beings.

It is better than Iran, at the moment. There, 346 Iranians were executed for being gay in 2008 alone. Better than Iran, which many Ugandans see as a bad thing. We also want to kill our homos. Period. And, we dont want the world to interfere with us in this holy cause. The Gospel according to Hate. Increadibly, David Bahati, who is a born again Christian, believes that this is not a hate bill. These are the scenes that he is looking forwards to. Below, in the run up to a Homosexuality free Uganda. Images from Kaos Blogspot

This argument is harder to advance with religion.
Because, even the most enlightened of human beings, the most intelligent, are very willing to hide behind religion. The Bible says, so it is. The Quaran says, so it is. And, in most of those texts, the interpretation is that we are worth of death.
I have been following an assertion by a Moslem chaplain for death to homosexuals. Because Islam says so, and, he cannot think past it. Similarly, Bahati argues like so. In defence of the 'traditional family'.

I cannot, and will not argue that gay people should have no faith. That is a personal decision. And, it is suprising how deeply spiritual most gay people are. It is part of what we are. And it shall continue like so. I think it is in our 'gay genes'!
It is a personal decision. Each of us has a right, and it is a right, to faith. Or its rejection. Sadly, our religions see it as mandatory, and deeply religious to reject us. You think I am lying? Ask the religious leaders in Uganda. Catholics, Moslems, Pentecostals, Anglicans. Ask them, and listen to their words, their thoughts.

But, it is in the logic of thought that we can bring out the hate, fear, ignorance that characterises some of our fellow men.

David Bahati says “Homosexuality has become a huge issue in this country we know that it is not our values, it” not Ugandan, it’s a threat to our traditional family and the children of Uganda…”

But, I am Ugandan. Yes I am. And, because, by my very presence I challenge his assertion of what I am, he wants me in prison for life. Or, dead, by hanging.
And, the state of fear which threatens many activists, and is pushing them into hiding like Pepe Julian here is justified, according to Bahati. I listened to him wondering how David Kato had been able to go to the Ministry of Foreign affairs here. Stronger laws are necessary to make sure that David is arrested. Not because he is a Ugandan. No. Because he is gay, and affirms his sexuality.

What can we do in face of this kind of hate? Overwhelming, malignant, willing to take us as a class, a level apart because we are different?
Hitler and Nazi Germany took it to the logical conclusion. Cleansing the Master Race of the impurities, which at that time meant homosexuality too. So does Bahati, writing a genocidal bill. For the homosexual Ugandan, there are only two things envisaged by the legislator from Ndorwa West. Death by hanging, and life imprisonment. That is what a homosexual Ugandan deserves.

So, what can we do?
We, as gay Ugandans, have no option but to fight. And to fight with all our whiles. Sadly, many of us dont even realise that we are at war. And that we are the pawns in this war, the foot soldiers, cannon fodder. And, true, we shall fall victim, prey, casualty to this unrelenting war. It is to the death, for many of us.

We ask for help.
And many people, inside and outside Uganda have responded magnificently. And, we still realise that the fight is far from over. Because it is not. Even our friends realise the vagaries, the flimsiness of the worlds attention. And, we do know how we have to do the fighting ourselves. They will help, but it is us who will have to do the actual, in the trench, lifting and pushing. And us who will die. The Leader Post puts it so-

The disaster in Haiti is essentially uncomplicated--a natural disaster has stripped people of basic needs, and money, food, and water are easy enough to supply. Coming to the aid of someone whose basic humanity is being attacked is much more complex. You cannot simply donate $10 to stop a gay Ugandan from being executed for his or her lifestyle, and Reese Witherspoon will not be waiting on the other end of a helpline to congratulate you for doing so. These complex issues are just as deserving of media and international attention, even if the solution is far more elusive.

Even the help we receive is demonised.
They want to kill us. With HIV, with ignorance, with lack of information. We cannot defend ourselves in the country. We cannot go out and say that they are telling lies. But, the lies continue, unabated.

Ssempa held a second press conference to discuss an element of the bill which for him is key, the criminalization of alleged homosexual recruitment and propaganda. He introduced two speakers, self-proclaimed former homosexuals, who were there to testify against the Dutch-funded gay and lesbian recruitment they both experienced. Paul Kagaba, who claimed he was a former "spokesperson" for SMUG, noted how he and his organization used to recruit and seduce people using money, cameras and laptops. Sandra Baggotte, until just recently an admitted lesbian, now has a one-month old baby and confirmed Kagaba's lurid tales. European-funded homosexuals live in swanky pads in Ntinda where their day-to-day life involves waking up and then immediately "drinking and messing yourself up". There is no work because the Europeans fund their decadent lifestyles. If you want to go on a date, these shadowy groups will give you up to sh500,000 in order to "recruit" others to homosexuality. Spurious conferences on reproductive health are actually just covert recruitment opportunities where lesbians will encourage you to take hormonal injections to reduce breast size and deepen their voices.

And, of course we cannot be believed, us gays, because we are gay. [Wry shake of the head]
Paul Kagaba says he was once spokesperson for GayUganda... Lie, lie, lie. Seems he did read that on this blog. Now, he is spokesperson for SMUG? Am glad Pepe could laugh that off.

Oh, Kagaba also claims as 'proof' of his conversion and healing from homosexuality, his ex-gay credentials the fact that he has a child. A son. Like Sandra above.
Has anyone dared to ask Kagaba, and Sandra whether we homosexuals are sterile? Seems like that is such a 'fact' that .... Myths, myths, propagated by people who know that they are telling lies. And, I know for a fact that Paul Kagaba, at least for the time that I knew of him in the kuchu community, his behaviour was bisexual. I doubt he advertises that!

But, what is more ridiculous is the gullible lies told in the name of our 'funding'. Remember the 20 Million USD that Nsaba Buturo told the monitor I am supposed to be sharing? I am afraid that the bank says it is not there. Maybe the accounts transfer was held up somehow or other. 500,000 UGX for conferences? Only the ruling party has that kind of clout. Ha, of course also the recruiting homosexuals. Paid by recruiters from America and Europe, of course.

In an interview with The Independent, Pepe Julian Onziema Programme coordinator for Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) refuted Kagaba's claims that he was ever a spokesperson for her organization nor had she even heard of Sandra. She explained that SMUG was formed in 2004 to advocate for gay rights especially in the health sector, where HIV/AIDS counseling was nonexistent. Problems like "corrective rape" and police apathy and even downright hostility towards homosexuals, led Onziema and others to form a group to specifically address the rights issues plaguing the gay and lesbian population in Uganda. She admits that SMUG's funding does come in part from American and European human rights organizations, the same funders who provide funds for government projects; but notes that the amount is miniscule as SMUG is not a registered charity. She notes wryly that the amount it would cost for the hormonal therapy Kagaba claimed was being forced on many a young woman for just one person is equivalent to about two years worth of SMUG's funding. In response to Sandra's allegation that Onziema herself handed out sums of up to sh500,000 for recruitment dates, her denial was unequivocal, "I'm shocked because first of all my rent is hanging over my head. So why wouldn't I take care of myself first, before I take care of other people, people I don't even know. It's purely false."

Indeed, we are, and will continue to be Fugitives in our own Country. For, bottom line we are Ugandans. And so we shall remain. Whether they condemn us and put us to death, or not. We are Ugandans. A fact that irks them a lot. Prison, life imprisonment, or death. Or, some 'conversion therapy.'

Other friends are disturbed by overt and covert support by their countries for Bahati anti-homosexuality bill. Like South Africa.
You know why we gay people continue to know and understand one another despite the great differences in our different cultures? Why gay Americans will come out to support gay Iranians, and gay Spaniards be disenchated with what is happening in Malawi? Because we know what it is to be gay. We know, first hand, the deep hostility, the shame heaped on us. The naked hate that our country people justify everywhere in the name of 'family', or nation, or anything. As long as it is something against gay people.

The South Africans are up in arms. South African gay people. Because their government is sending an envoy who is a known homophobe to Uganda as ambassador. The issue is not only a Ugandan one. It is concerns us all, they state.

Yes indeed. Thought is an important process.

And, writing things down helps to clarify the thought.

Last night, I was wild on the town. But, I did need, and I am listening, and I know that I am not invulnerable to the hate that is out touching me.

Very, very beautiful. So beautiful that it is very easy to forget that it can also be ugly. Very ugly.

Yesterday I was out dancing, having fun, in a bar with other people.

I had fun. The music was good, the mind was easy, and I was wild with relief that I am alive. I was happy, I felt it, and did show it.

Yet, I am immersed in the middle of a battle for my life. My very life, me and my partner’s. And of all Ugandans that are like me.

Now I am seated in a corner of our compound, typing away, thinking of the contrasts, the extremes that my life is.

And, thereare deadly caveats to the beauty, ugliness that I have to ignore most of the time. Because I can go mad if I obsess about some of those things.

How can I be a gay Ugandan and be happy, living in Uganda?

I have to shut my eyes to some of the things that happen.

Yesterday, I did have a conversation with a couple of people who are questioning their sexuality.

I am gay, and I know it. But sometimes I forget that the confidence in my sexuality that I now take for granted, it is something that used to torture me. The self knowledge has come at a price. Many others are still paying it. Many are questioning, many are wondering, they are praying, and self doubting, seeking for answers in the worst sort of persecution that can go on in the country. In any country.

There is one lady in Gulu who was burnt to death by someone, a colleague.

Her reported crime was making a pass at another woman. This woman was so incensed that she took fire to the lady’s home. There were two children in the house at the time. Am informed that they are both dead. So is the woman, the one who made a pass that was not appreciated.

Sigh... I believe the 'defence' is the so called 'gay panic'. You, a profoundly heterosexual person, find a homosexual advance so increadibly offensive that in a panic, you kill the 'offender'.

Another guy is being blackmailed by former lovers.

He is well off, and these guys see a chance to make money. So, for what were consensual sex acts, they report to the police as the injured party.

There is no justice in Uganda for the gay person. These former lovers, they first steal from the man, and then go to the police to report that he is gay. So, he is caught in a lurch. To report that they have stolen from him, and then he finds this other case that they have reported him as gay.

And, in Uganda, the ‘victim’ has all the advantage.

Remember the case of Pastor Kayanja? Mega church, multibillion shilling man. But, some guys want to say he is gay. He might be, or he might not be. But, it did take him more than half the year to fight the allegations. And, his accusers, fellow pastors jealous of his ministry, (including dear Pastor Ssempa and Pastor Male), stand accused of trying to tarnish his name.

Incredibly, it is these guys who are behind the Anti-Homosexuality bill.

And, to cover themselves, they have two categories of people. The ‘offender’, who has no rights, once reported. And, the ‘victim’, who is protected by the law once he reports, or she reports.

5. Protection, assistance and payment of compensation to victims of homosexuality.

(1 ) A victim of homosexuality shall not be penalized for any crime commuted as a direct result of his or her involvement in homosexuality.

(2) A victim of homosexuality shall be assisted to enable his or her views and concerns to be presented and considered at the appropriate stages of the criminal proceedings.

(3) Where a person is convicted of homosexuality or aggravated homosexuality under sections 2 and 3 of this Act, the court may, in addition to any sentence imposed on the offender, order that the victim of the offence be paid compensation by the offender for any physical, sexual or psychological harm caused to the victim by the offence.

(4) The amount of compensation shall be determined by the court and the court shall take into account the extent of harm suffered by the victim of the offence. the degree of force used by the offender and medical and other expenses incurred by the victim as a result of the offence.

6. Confidentiality.

(1) At any stage of the Investigation or trial of an offence under this Act, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judicial officers and medical practitioners, as well as parties to the case, shall recognize the right to privacy of the victim.

It is simply tailor made for blackmail, extortion. And all that is okay, since it is homosexuals that are being persecuted. As Minister Nsaba-Buturo said, ‘Homosexuals should forget about human rights.’ We are simply not worth the protection of the law. It is a very clearly visible, clearly sane thing in the eyes of most Ugandans.

Yet the grass is still green.

The sun rises bright, and it is going to be a great hot day. Maybe highs of 30s. The avocado pear tree behind my house has flowers, and young fruits on it. The pawpaw tree has some fruits on it too. And, below them, the ducks are panting in the heat. Maybe I should give them some water.

No. I cant forget about the beauty of my world, of my country.

I simply cant ignore it. I must open my eyes, my hands and sing and dance and be happy. And, I must at the same time remember that some of my very countrymates believe, with a passion and conviction that is utterly appaling, that I cannot share with them this beauty.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Yesterday I was under the weather. Problem with too little sleep... But, that is solved, after a night out with my love and a visitor, and a great night's sleep in his arms. Always good to wake up to good sex. Very good. Makes the day that much brighter!

And today, I remembered that I had lots of news to work through. Lots of it.

That great article from Dr Semugoma, I mentioned it yesterday. Was kind of too sleep drunk to take it in. But, it is a good one. I withdraw my envy of the guy..., NOT! Ha ha ha.
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Yesterday I was listening to Bahati and another MP (Dennis Obua, not related to my friend here). They were on a NTV talk show called 'On the Spot' And, there was one thing that is glaringly visible. Bahati does not understand, he completely does not understand why the world is out in arms against his Anti-Homosexuality Bill. [The text is here.]
If you do want a quick update on some of the things that have been happening. It is here, from the Ethiopian Review. Seems there are always new readers, new people getting on board.
It is amazing, and interesting to see how Ugandans, Bahati and others have so bravely whitewashed themselves. They dont believe homosexuals are human beings. That is the very basis of their hatred. They are fighting a holy war, a national war. And, anything goes. Anything.

The opposition in the name of Human Rights, (well, homos are not human, of course), from Christians- ,not the hypocrites in Uganda, those who actually are coming out and looking at the bill in horror and calling on Christians in Uganda to shape up- (they are promoters of homosexuality and they dont follow true biblical Christianity like Ugandans), and, from HIV activists who say the bill will be a setback for HIV prevention. I liked one quote from Ssempa- (who is an HIV activist. Sorry, he is an 'abstinence and be faithful activist'). Ssempa demanded, on World AIDS Day, in a video on NTV television- 'What does this bill have to do with HIV?' Of course Ssempa is a liar. Earlier, he had declared on Premier Christian Radio of UK that this bill was an HIV prevention measure since Uganda didnt want to have the same problem of an HIV vulnerable gay population like South Africa. Oh, the man of god is remarkably flexible in his beliefs. Some beliefs, that is. And, there is emerging opposition from people that I had never heard of- like Uganda's Humanists. Irrational the bill is. But rational opposition is coming up.

All these, all these different people are 'homosexualists'. Errr, homosexuals are 'sodomites', to give them the kind name that Ssempa now bestows on them.

I do wish I could get onto a talk show with Bahati! Just to confront the lies that are being said, in the name of 'wiping homosexuality from Uganda.'

That is a tough thing to say. I know it is very easy to be caught up in a state of the mind that accepts not contrary arguments. But, it can be devastating as you watch a rational human being irrational. I think Bahati is rational. But, he is really very irrational with regards to anything concerning homosexuality. [shake of the head].

We do have our work cut out for us, still. The parliament can make this legislation law without the president's signature. Apparently, that occurs 3 months after the parliament has passed it. And, it does have support in Uganda.

Buturo, ha!
My dear friend Buturo, who is irrational in many things, is still rational on this. He has decided to stop opening his mouth about the Bill of bills.... Found out that he was hurting the country by opening his mouth. So, now he comments about corruption only. Suddenly, it is in the news again....

Ssempa put his foot into his mouth (not unusual, that), with his crusade turning to poo poo. Want to know more? Well, google 'Ssempa' and 'poop', and have a great laugh. Dont hold it back. Fact is, it is funny, though it is desperately serious. But, even serious things need to be laughed at.

In Uganda itself, the lies continue. Judge for yourself from this article. Since I am gay, that makes me automatically a liar. But, some people cannot be liars. They talk in the name of god.

The Vice President has blamed pressure from ‘some powerful people’ for homosexuality in the country.

Prof. Gilbert Bukenya made the remarks at the wedding of Apac NRM chairperson Richard Ogwang Odero and Rose Ogwang in Apac at the weekend. He said he is against homosexuality but is forced to ‘close his eyes’.

“Nobody supports man marrying man here but we have pressure because there are some outer people who marry men and they are powerful,” Prof. Bukenya said without naming the powerful people.

Friday, January 29, 2010

But, the sun is out and I have to go do some work. Really need to sleep. [Don’t dare ask what I was doing last night. Will be rude to you.]

This morning, I looked at a brother of mine and took the plunge. Went to him, opened with the famous line-

‘You do know that I am gay?’

Great hitting the nail on the head.

He looked away, didn’t know what to say, prevaricated. I found I was getting too nervous, so I explained. He has seen me living at my place with my man all these years. He must have suspected. And, I was just confirming it.

He was still not very communicative. Maybe he was speechless. I was forced to continue.

There was this bill in the Parliament. It aimed to imprison, kill us. I am fighting the bill, and soon rather than later, I am going to be comprehensively outed. There was lots of misinformation, that we were rapists, evil, etc. But, that wasn’t true.

At last he spoke.

No. It was no big deal with him. Of course he suspected, but, that is life. And, he tells me, that is none of his business. That is a personal thing. And it is no problem.

He was looking at me. He meant it. I felt like hugging him, tight. We are not that close, but he had come out on my side. Solidly.

Then, as I went back to my place, he follows me.

What if someone asks?

I looked at him, and said, it is no big deal. I am out. He can tell them yes I am gay, and, any further questions, why, they can ask me.

That was a great morning surprise. A good one.

Reaction of my lover, ‘Uh, you are gay, and for me, I am not.’

I laughed. Told him he should get those t-shirts which say ‘I am NOT gay, but my boyfriend is’

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Lets start with a laugh. The Bahati Scanner is soon to be installed at all major entry ways into Uganda. Want to see what it looks like, what it will do?

No. Sadly, that image is not mine. The person signs it...!
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The Uganda Martyrs. They have been used to justify the genocidal tendencies of Ugandans against gay Ugandans.
Bahhhh! It is a convenient excuse. After all, I am gay, and Ugandan. I was bred, born, grew up and studied in Uganda. I know for fact that the reality of this history was not widespread until recently, when the dear religious leaders saw fit to use it to justify their anger and desire to kill gay Ugandans. A Chrisitian justification of hate.

It may be funny, but for the fact that I dont find it so. I know history is written by the winners. But, I will not justify riots in Uganda that target Ugandans of Indian extraction, because of 'historical grievances'. Shame upon you, Ugandan Christians.

A Solitary Walker had me on that path of reflection. Want to read more about this? It is here.
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Remember the National Prayer Breakfast supposed to be in Washington to which Obama is invited, and will attend? It is organised by the Fellowship. Bahati, Buturo and others are members.
Box Turtle Bulletin reports that, despite reports that he will attend, David Bahati is NOT attending. He has retracted the fact that he said that he would. Interesting, hey? Ho, Bahati phones in and says he is not attending. It is him who had said he would. It was on the Voice of America, and Throckmorton recommends that it is Must see TV. I will talk to my internet provider... (Evil glare...!)

But, there are other Christians who are organising a parallel prayer event. Lutherans. In America. That continent is full of suprises, I must comment. They want to counter the homophobia, the hate that others are apparently preaching in the name of Christ.

Jim Inhoef, US senator condemns the bill. Seems he was asked for a long while, till, at last? But I dont know US politics that well. What I gather is that he is the US equivalent of David Bahati. But, he condemns the bill. Truth Wins Out is not satisfied....

By the way, what happens if the bill, (text here) does not contain the Death Penalty for Homosexuals like me? It will still be heinious. And, of course i will be arrested for spreading homosexuality on this blog. And for other things. Is life in prison for being gay preferable to outright death penalty? If I was to choose, I would choose Death. And, I am not joking.

Here is a chilling assesment of what is left with the death penalty removed. It is in Bay Windows.

Bahati’s willingness to remove the death penalty suggests that these (OUR) objections might not be falling on deaf ears. That marks a heartening turning point in the fight against the Bill, but it might be premature to call this a victory in and of itself. Even without the death penalty, the legislation has a number of troubling provisions that are receiving far less attention. The Bill prescribes up to three years in prison for anyone who does not report any friends, family members, or total strangers who they suspect of engaging in same-sex activity, and seven years of imprisonment for anyone who "aids, abets, counsels, or procures another to engage in acts of homosexuality." The Bill also prohibits the "promotion of homosexuality," including the production or distribution of pro-LGBT media, funding or belonging to a pro-LGBT organization, or even voicing support for LGBT rights, and would punish offenders with five to seven years in prison.

And, this is of particular note. The fact that 'homosexuality' as defined by the bill can be constituted from something as innocent as a 'touch'. The Homosexual Touch.

Although same-sex activity is already punishable with life in prison in Uganda, the Bill would forbid any touching with the intention of homosexuality. It would allow the state to forcibly test LGBT people for HIV. And it claims to withdraw Uganda from any global treaty that recognizes the rights of LGBT people, setting an ominous precedent for the recognition of LGBT rights as human rights. All of this is justified as a bulwark against same-sex marriage and a prohibition against rape and pedophilia -- pointedly ignoring that all of these are already criminalized under existing Ugandan law.

Heinious indeed. Draconian, impossible, cruel. But, Ugandans believe that all these things are necessary in the name of kicking homosexuality out of Uganda. And, that it follows Christian principles.

And, Christians like Ssempa and Bahati tell lies to support the bill. All in the name of Religion and Values.

And then, a thought provoking analysis.

With such strong opposition to the death penalty, it is unclear how often the punishment would actually be used against LGBT people in Uganda. Nevertheless, there are a number of provisions in the Bill that are likely to have immediate and chilling effects across the country. The ban on LGBT organizing would swiftly be used to shut down pro-LGBT groups, who would be unable to appeal the Bill if it passes. The legislation would codify the most dangerous stereotypes about LGBT people into law, legitimizing violence by families, communities, and private actors. Criminalizing intent to commit homosexuality and requiring people to inform on each other would almost certainly lend itself to blackmail, extortion, and false accusations. In countless ways, the Bill gives homophobes every tool they need to arrest and harass LGBT people for any reason whatsoever.

Thus far, it has been deeply heartening to see how strongly opponents of the Bill have spoken out against it. Nevertheless, it is troubling to think that this support may wane if the "Kill the Gays Bill" is merely used to blackmail, arrest, torture, and persecute LGBT people instead. With or without the death penalty, this Bill would be one of the most repressive and anti-democratic measures in recent memory, and would make a mockery of the international human rights regime. The true test of our political, religious, and civil society leaders is not whether they oppose the death penalty, but whether they are prepared to insist that LGBT people are entitled to the full range of human rights protections that all people are supposed to enjoy. Anything less than the dismissal of the Bill in its entirety undermines those protections and our commitment to the rights of all people, everywhere.

All people. Everywhere.

I like that. It is not a struggle for Rights. It is a struggle for EQUALITY. That is why I fight.
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I think that is over board. Curiously, I was recently in Kenya, and was shocked to find that our eastern neighbours believe that Uganda is a failed state. And, they pity us. It was a shocking indictment of the current regime and president. Who celebrated 24 years in power on Tuesday.

Hey, is that Sedition? Maybe. But, cant we speak the truth as others see it? Should we just stick to the Bahati Bill? Let me scurry back into my closet!
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I have been reading the Fenway Guide to LGBT Health. Hey, I am a well read dude. Not really a nerd. Life’s reality is too frighteningly rough to allow for all my nerdy characteristics to come out.

But, since I can read the English, I do seek to understand myself, and others.

I was reading about ‘coming out theories’. Gosh, the things that human beings decide to study! Anyway, someone studied these things. And, they then went ahead and put them down in a book to read.

Fenway Guides are medical texts actually. Don’t ask me how I got it. Just know that I did. And, once you get over the strange technical language that medical English is, it is not too hard to read. And, it is amazing.

Which brings me to the question. If medics do know this much about gay people, why the hell isn’t the medical profession in Uganda, the Uganda Medical Association, the Ministry of Health up in arms against the Anti-Homosexuality bill in Uganda? Here is its text.

But, I know the answer to that. The medics in Ugandaare NOT knowledgeable about homosexuality. Many of them don’t know anything about it. They don’t know that it has been studied, scientifically. They know next to naught about human sexuality. And, they are firmly in the belief that it is ‘un-natural and un-African’. They are as firmly homophobic and prejudiced as the rest of society.

Ok, since I am throwing around some pretty serious allegations, it is time that I did substantiate them.

Once I was watching a programme on NTV. The discussant was I believe the Chairman of the Parliament Committee on health matters, and the topic was the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. The man in question is a Medical Doctor.

He was asked about it. And, his response was steeped in the misery of ignorance, prejudice, and a sheer lack of research, despite him being a doctor. He said, unequivocally, that homosexuality is un-African, and un-Ugandan.

Pity. Really a pity. For a medic to be so ignorant.

Another case in point. 2007 I think it was that some of us went to MakerereMedicalSchool to talk about homosexuality. What occurred was suprising, and unsurprising. The auditorium was full. Tempers were raised. Those of us who were there to enlighten the medics and students found that the tempers, the sheer hostility was overwhelming.

No. This seat of learning in Uganda, the famed Makerere didn’t rely on medical texts to bash gay Ugandans. No, there was not a mention of them being ethically bound to listen to gay Ugandans. They brought out Qurans. And the Bible.

Know what we did? We had to flee out of the place. The signs of imminent violence were too clear to ignore.

So, Uganda’s medics are not in the know. Oh, tell them that I know they are not in the know. There is one guy who is a medic and does read this blog… A medic and a Christian who doesn’t agree with the gay bashing. I bet I am suprising you with what I do know, yes? Ha ha ha! The needs that a gay Ugandan has to go to to educate oneself about being gay. To the point when I know more than those who should know more than me…!

Anyway, comes back to the question. Why do I do the things that I do? Why am I into knowing about myself, seeking for self knowledge, getting to know who I am, what I am, why I am different, but still human?

Self knowledge. Self acceptance. Self respect.

It is because of myself that I fight this war. It is because of what I add onto myself.

Not for money, not for anything else. It is because of me.

Hope your day is good. Just wanted to share with you some insight I have had reading a book that is way out there ‘promoting homosexuality’. There is a penalty in the Bahati bill for reading such a book in Uganda. Because it is material that will be ‘promoting homosexuality’. 3, or 7 years in prison?

I don’t know.

But, do you think I will stop reading this material to appease Bahati or Ssempa? You joke.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

But, I will take exception to being labeled a devil. For I am not. Just human, that is what I am. A human being. Different of course. Gay. A gay Ugandan. But just human.

A very lovely day is open.

Woke in the arms of my lover. Held him close, savouring the heat, warmth; the closeness, feeling him body to body, skin to skin. Fact, it is amazing that love between two human beings can be characterized as evil. Simple reason that I will continue protesting, even when the hangman’s noose is tightening. I am not evil. Neither is my love, our love. Neither is our pleasure. We are a couple of humans that happen to be different. And, for that difference, our country mates think us the cusp of evil.

I am kind of amused by politics. If one says that the sun is hot, someone will either ask for proof of that statement, or will just say, the sun is COLD. It is as if merely stating a lie out boldly makes it truth. Like Ssempa.

But maybe I should not be amazed. It does work. People out there are not into researching, finding facts, cross checking. And, people are not ashamed of writing and saying lies even when they know there are lies. Even professional religion people- Christians, Moslems. As long as they support their own particular bit of the agenda. I hope I haven’t yet lost that naivety and sense of incredulity. Well, I am an old African village boy. I will preserve a few of my ideals!

But, of course Pastor Ssempa disagrees. Vociferously!

Here is his article, and he goes ahead to offer President Zuma some threats. The guy does think lots of himself!

Statement from Pastor Martin Ssempa and the Family Policy and Human Rights Centre to President Jacob Zuma not to jeopardise Uganda/South African relations by cancelling Mr. Jon Qwelane as Envoy to Uganda.

He has formed another group now? Gosh, the guy is prolific...

And, have you noted something? This itinerant preacher, unelected, but undoubtedly charismatic and... (low in brains????) is actually stating that he determines Uganda's foreign policy. Well, seems there has been a gap. He has been doing a stellar job, and so, maybe the Emperor will so appoint him!

We would like to support your wise decision to send Mr. Jon Qwelane as South African envoy to Uganda and request that you do not listen to the homosexual extremists who are demanding that you disqualify him, and rather send an extreme homosexual propagandist. We have also learnt that because of Mr. Jon Qwelane views which are strong on traditional marriage, and who does not put sodomy as a major pillar of his foreign policy agenda, homosexual groups are demanding that you cancel his appointment.

What happened to 'sodomites'?

We would like to say that Mr. Jon Qwelane views of understanding the importance of a traditional family are in tandem with Uganda’s society where sodomy is a crime against the order of nature. This is due to our national values contained in the legal, religious, cultural and natural beliefs. South Africa needs an evoy who understands Uganda’s societal views, and does not place the expansion of sodomy as the top agenda of his foreign policy. Therefore the cancelling of Mr. Jon Qwelane appointment due to pressure of homosexuals in South Africa threatens the delicate and good relationships between Uganda and South Africa.

I am not very sure that Mr. Jon Qwelane does appreciate the recommendation. But then, life means one cannot control the mouth, and brains, of other people...!

We take this letter to remind you that South Africa has vast strategic economic interests in Uganda in the areas of communications, energy, banking, food and mineral sectors. These include household names such as MTN, Eskom, Stanbic, Nandos, and many others. The de-selection of Mr. Jon Qwelane and sending to Uganda someone who pleases the homosexual groups in South Africa threatens the good social standing of these companies in light of our nations values. You need to carefully weigh what is South Africa’s strategic interest in our nation and region. Is it business or sodomy?

Told you. Foreign policy dictated by Ssempa and Co. This guy would do good in a theocracy. Iran?

Cancelling Mr. Jon Qwelane appointment and sending someone else due to the pressure of the homosexuals will trigger a widespread civil society protest which stands to affect the South African businesses in Uganda. This may incude the boycotting of your businesses as a means of sending our message across. A recent national survey showed that more than 95 percent of Ugandans are opposed to sodomy. Mr. President you have been to Uganda and understand our deeply cherished culture on the tradional family which is why you have proposed Mr. Jon Qwelane as the envoy to Uganda. We ask that you continue with your wise and prudent appointment of Mr. Jon Qwelane as the envoy to Uganda.

Ahem, ahem. Maybe I should note that the Independent published the article, (I wonder why? ) on its blog, and immediately disclaimed the views expressed in the article!

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Does AGOA really matter?

It is the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, and it was once championed by Museveni. Now, it is not such a big dollar earner. Wonder whether Museveni would sacrifice it? It might not be the money. It might be the prestige, which does matter a lot to our President.

I mentioned Anand Grover before. An independent UN expert giving some sage advice to Uganda. I didn’t know that actually the guy is THE UN Special Rappoteur on Health.

Come to think of it, lots of health officials have spoken out against this bill. The text is here if you would like it.

It is a horrible piece of legislation.

Fact. It is. And, it is truly universal in outreach. It is not only the homosexuals who are affected. [Death and life time imprisonment is what they suffer], but the priests suffer, so do the doctors, and so does HIV care and prevention. Of course it is a human rights violation. But, as Minister Nsaba Buturo says, ‘Homosexuals can forget about Human Rights.’ But, you see, Ugandans are so hell bent on killing away their homosexuals and ridding Uganda of this ‘evil’ that, none of this counts. What is important is that they are killed. That Uganda is a leader.

“Lessons from the last 30 years of the HIV epidemic have shown us that recognition of the rights of people with different sexual identities is a necessary component for a successful HIV and health response,” stressed the UN expert.

“In many countries where sex between men is not criminalized and where stigma and discrimination have been reduced, men who have sex with men are more likely to take up HIV prevention, care and support and treatment services,” he added.

“I urge the Ugandan Parliament to build on its past successes in responding to HIV and to refrain from passing this Bill,” said Grover, while strongly supporting the President and other members of the Government in their attempts to prevent the initiative of some members of the Parliament that the bill becoming law.

He said: “Uganda is in the great danger of taking a step backwards – away from realizing human rights for its people and away from an effective, evidence and rights-based HIV response.”

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I did say something about a high school in Oregon, called Southridge High School that did go ahead to hold a march on our behalf. On behalf of the Kuchus of Uganda, in the name of a common humanity.

Yes, for some people, including me, we still believe in a common humanity. In love instead of hate. In being together even when we are different. We are together even if we are so abundantly different. Again, I salute you, SouthridgeHigh School.

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I did want some more details on what happened in WashingtonDC, at a Congressional hearing about the bill in Uganda. Here is a pic from the Metro Weekly.

He actually says that the pressure that is being metted out can be counter productive.

Hey, don’t you be stopped by that. Actually, my logic is that of a soldier. We are at war, and, firing your gun will have bad effects on you. You will be wreathed in the fumes. The missile might not hit the right target. Or, it might be off target by a few meters.

But, to me that is no excuse or hinderance to firing the gun. Be serious. If you don’t fire your gun, if you don’t pull the trigger, your enemy is going to kill you. It is as simple as that. There is a time to worry about consequences. That is when you are relaxed, and the strain of battle is off and the adrenaline is down, and you can do it. Not when you are in the heat of battle.

Push. And be unrelenting in the push.

If we had been finicky in calling out for world attention to this bill,[text here] it would have been law already. Actually, we have nothing to lose. And, I am not ashamed to say that, when it is my country people, Ugandans who are acting this stupid. [Don’t make me repeat it], then forget about their fake nationalism.

27th will fume and rage. I called him a coward. I know it shut him up. Well, brother, would it have been better to call you stupid? I know you are not, so I will not. (But, of course I have a riposte to your question of how are you a coward. Will reserve it!) But, I will still call you a coward, and tell you, expect my call from the grave, and expect more naked speech from me.

Ugandans are acting stupid. Time we styled up and came to our senses. And, stop holding to the false drapes of ‘sovereignty’ and ‘nationalism’. Those clothes are too old, the excuses too worn out. Style up and face the facts that you do live in a community of adults.

If you don’t want to, then face the damn consequences. Period.

Hey, before I was derailed by my rant, I was saying that, the US guys should be aware that of course there is a pushback to the pressure they are exerting. Of course there is. And, guys like Ssempa and Buturo are gleefully using that as a ‘you see’ moment. Fine. Let them do it. Because it is simply what is expected.

But that shouldn’t stop you from pulling across your opinion, and pushing back. Stupid acts as stupid does. And, Ugandans are acting stupid. Leaning back and being accommodating is not going to have any effects, especially in solving our ‘stupid’ problem.

Now, I am being too naked and ugly and tough. But, we do need an adult around….! Though after reading the above, I doubt you will agree that I do qualify, do you?

I am a gay pervert after all. The country, my country plans to imprison me and kill me. And of course, like a sheep, I am not to bleet as the slit my throat. Because that will be unpatriotic.

Well, to damn hell with that false logic.

Got my point across, have I? In very unpolitic language. Definitely not politically correct. It is a waste of some necessary resources. Ahem!

Have a great day.

gug

PS. I really love the way Ssempa's poop fetishesm is working out. Guess the guy really needs to read the articles himself. Far as I can see, google Ssempa and poop. You may be suprised at what you find.... ha ha ha ha ha!

Except that the article has been withdrawn. Yes, it has been withdrawn by the Daily Monitor people. And, replaced by this brief statement.

The story has been withdrawn because it was inaccurate

In this story, we indicated that Raising Voices, a non profit organization, had sponsored a children’s march against the anti-homosexuality bill. We have since learnt that the march was organised by Children with a Mission, a church based group as part of the Children’s Day of Prayer. The theme of the event was to enable children to reflect on violence against them, and not to protest about anti-homosexuality bill.

Raising Voices did not sponsor the march nor does it support the anti-homosexuality bill. The quote that was attributed to the senior officer of Raising Voices was wrongly attributed.

We regret the inconveniencies the report has caused.

And, and, and,

this comment was posted here, on this blog. Here is the comment. I believed it did deserve its place here.

My name is Prossy Jonker Nakanjako. I want to disassociate from this story that appeared in The Monitor 25th January 2010 on page 2, with headline ‘Children march in support of gays bill’. The march had nothing to do with the Anti-Homosexual bill; it was about children’s day of prayer, an event that happens every year since 2007. The day is organized by ‘Children with a Mission.’ The views attributed to me in the story are a misrepresentation of what my opinions are about the homosexuality. I believe that human rights are indivisible and for everyone irrespective of whether they are heterosexuals or homosexuals, men or women, children or adults, black or white, everyone. I am very much aware of the human rights violations the gay and lesbian community are going through in Uganda and I feel sad that my name has been used to front the agenda of the Anti-Homosexual Bill activist.

Bravo, Prossy.

Bravo, because you have actually come out and demanded that your name be dissociated from this. And, that you as a Ugandan has come up with an unequivocal statement of your non support of this heinous bill.

For those who hadnt seen it, these are the opinions which were attributed to Prossy. Hey, I had lifted the quotes, already.

The senior programme officer at Raising Voices, Ms Prossy Jonker Nakanjako, said the children’s march had been organised as part of the annual children’s national prayer that happens before the start of the first academic term.

“There are children from all over the country and we are here to convey our massage to the government, school administration and parents that sodomy is evil,” Ms Nakanjako said. “Government [should] provide children with education, health among other necessities and give them protection.”

Well...!
From the attendant photo, some of the posters were for the bill. But, clearly, something was happening which was not exactly kosher!

Anyway, glad that the article has been withdrawn. And, glad that there has been some clarification from Prossy, who seems to believe very strongly in Human Rights, indivisible (contrast with Nsaba Buturo; Homosexuals should forget about human rights)

Anyway, not looking a gift horse in the mouth. Not really.

Can you come out to more conclusions from this leavings of the tea leaves?

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

There’s a tendency to think in theU.S.just because a law says something that it’s a big deal. InAfrica if you want to talk about how to save lives, it’s not just laws that count. There’s a stigma no matter what that law says, for sex workers, men having sex with men, that’s always been a problem for AIDS. It relates to groups that aren’t that visible. AIDS itself is subject to incredible stigma. Open involvement is a helpful thing. I wouldn’t overly focus on that. In terms of how many people are dying inAfrica, it’s not about the law on the books; it’s about getting the message out and the new tools.

I think I understand what he was trying to say. Laws, rules and regs are loosely adhered to in most of Africa. They are, frankly speaking, stupid things.

BUT, I do beg to differ with regards to this.

First of all, if you truly wonder why I beg to differ, I would request that you read the bill.The text is here. The bill, with the intention to eliminate homosexuality from Uganda, mandates death and life imprisonment for me and mine. And, it also tries to identify me from something as ridiculous as a touch, a homosexual touch. And mandates that anyone who hears a whisper of me reports me to the police within 24 hours.

Sorry, Mr Gates. I do beg to differ. I am one of those people who pointed out that those who wanted to kill us couldnt because the laws of Uganda were not going to allow them. This attempt to correct that 'oversight' does alarm me.

I bet Mr Gates has not read the text of the bill.Please do. Hey, I remember a comment that many didnt believe Mein Kampf had any significance. But, the writer, Hitler did. So does Bahati. So do the many Ugandans who support it, and want the bill made law. No, I dont think it is any help to try and doubt the passion of Ssempa, Bahati, and Nsaba-Buturo. They mean exactly what they say.Homosexuals should forget about Human Rights. As direct as that. Please, dont insult their passion, their dedication by thinking they dont mean exactly what they say they want. Do not.

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Ssempa gets a lot of press for his Porn Show which flopped. A gay porn show... for the sake of showing how badly we have sex. Why it is necessary for us to be condemned to life imprisonment and death.Pink News Uk, theAdvocate,Edge Boston,Towleroad, they all have articles about it. Brief, and all quoting the original Monitor article.

You know, what is funny is that the good Pastor has been doing this for the last three months. But, it was simply not being reported. Ariel Rubin's blog article'Ssempa's World'was the first one that I saw about these antics. But, Ssempa has been doing these things even before. In fact, he was talking about rimming, fisting and others 'specialities' at the dialogue. What is new here?

What is new is the fact that he is getting the press that he wanted. But, it is not that laudatory, a fact that oppresses dear Ssempa.

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A very thoughtful article about the hate of gay people in Africa. Gay as in Queer, Kuchu. A South African takes Africa to task. Very thought provoking. And, to put it in perspective, he is a White South African.

Why is it that gay people are so hated on this continent?What makes people inAfricawant to murder, imprison or beat up on them? And before you start telling me it is a tribal thing, a black thing or a whatever thing, I can tell you a lot of white Africans don’t like them either. I went to an all-boys (and pretty much all-white) school and the levels of homophobia ran high. It was part of that whole rugger bugger (oh, the irony) thing.To be honest, while I was at school, the concept of gay men scared me. All I’d ever heard was they were bad and that if you were in the same room as them, they would try to have sex with you.

Maybe that is the why. We dont know any, and we are told they are the worst evil. Evil incarnate.

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The guy then talks of an uncle who was gay and died of AIDS. That was something which opened his eyes. At least a bit.

From that point onwards,I’ve had a slightly better understanding of what it is like for some gay people, often having to lead double lives and having to keep secrets from their families, employers and friends. It’s a tough break.

But inAfricathose breaks are even harder still. For many gay people inAfrica, their sexuality comes with very heavy toll.From discriminating legislation to violence to plain old prejudice,Africa has a problem with homosexuals.Lesbian footballers have been gang-raped and then murdered because of their sexuality. In Uganda gay men could face the death sentence, while in Malawi a gay couple have been arrested and if the state can prove they have had sex, they’ll do time in prison. InZimbabwe, long before Robert Mugabe went mad, he spoke out against the evilness of homosexuality. He couldn’t make up his mind who he hated more — the gays or the imperialists?

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People don’t dig gays. In fact, they hate them.

Across our entire country andour entire continent you will hear people candidly say I hate them because God hates them. I hate them because they are not part of my culture. I hate them because they are different. I think they are a disease. A disgrace. I think they are immoral. Repugnant. A perversity. They’re not natural.

Yes [grimly], these are the reasons people give for hating me. Me as in a Gay African.

And the worse thing is we have all heard this talk before, sometimes told as a joke and other times more seriously, and we say nothing back. We just let it slide. For the sake of peace, because we don’t want to disrespect another person’s culture or religion, because we don’t spoil an otherwise nice day.

But imagine if we flipped a few words around. Say we were to exchange the word gay for black or white or Indian or Muslim. I hate blacks because God hates them. I hate whites because they are not part of my culture. I hate Indians because they are different. I think Muslims are a disease. A disgrace. I think blacks are immoral. Repugnant. A perversity. They’re not natural.

If you heard that, you’d say something.

Thought provoking indeed. Very thought provoking.

Why am I doing this? I am a human being, and all this homo hate and bashing that comes to me on a daily basis does intrigue me. Yes, it is directed towards one aspect of my self. I know the frightening ignorance in which this thing lives. I am part of it, but it still intrigues me. Why do you hate me so much, when you know so little about me?

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To balance that, some people from another culture, another world, another continent are calling upon one of the blood to do something about this homophobia in Africa.They are calling upon Barack Obama.

Sigh, seems when one is elected President of the US, it is taken as a matter of fact that one is president of the world.

House members are urging President Obama to speak out against a proposed anti-gay bill currently before the Ugandan Parliament, the Minnesota Independent reported.

“The Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2009 is by far the most extreme and hateful attempt by an African country to criminalize the LGBT community,” the letter says.

The bill would strengthen the criminal penalties for having gay sex in a country where it is already illegal. It also includes a death penalty provision for repeat offenders and people who are HIV-positive, and would ban the “promotion of homosexuality,” which would effectively outlaw political organizations, broadcasters and publishers that advocate on behalf of gay rights.

The ninety representatives called on Obama to speak out against the bill.

“Specifically, we ask that you speak out publicly against this proposed legislation to bring further attention to the issue.”

“Also, given your popularity in Africa, speaking out publicly against Uganda and Rwanda's proposed anti-homosexuality legislation is likely to garner more concern and attention from not only African nations but internationally. We further ask that you give diplomatic weight to your call for homosexuality to be decriminalized worldwide.”

Uh, I dont think Rwanda applies at the moment. But, you get the drift.

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Someone blogs about the likely motivation of the government, in particular the President, in allowing this bill to come through. Here it is.Some interesting reading.